Finding a Surf Camp in Taghazout & Becoming a Badass Surfer (Kinda)

And that’s it. That’s how I become a surfing badass in less than a week.

JK… but that was my little mantra from what I learned at my surf camp in Taghazout, Morocco! And guess what? I’m not pro, but I’m out there doing my thing surfing all on my own. And that makes me feel like a pro good!

I’m originally from Florida (in case you’ve never been to this blog. Oh, hi! Welcome!) and while we don’t get surf on the gulf side of my state, I’ve always dreamt of surfing!

OK, so it was mostly because I wanted a hottie blonde-haired, blue-eyed surfer boyfriend (seriously, no joke #dreams) but I’ve also always thought surfing looked so cool and fun! Also, I’m a beach bum so, naturally I’d love it, right? (For the record, I did bag myself a former surfing hottie but he has black hair. I deal.)

How did I not know surfing in Morocco was a thing?!

While I’ve tried my hand at surfing in Indonesia, it was a two-day thing and it was forgotten. I had a longing to make it more real but never truly sought it out.

Well, I finally changed that. I’ve recently had a confidence boost after getting laser eye surgery (surfing with contacts ain’t fun) and gave myself the kick in the butt to actually do it!

And somehow, surfing in Taghazout, Morocco fell into my lap.

And now, I’m sharing the experience with you. Because let me know you, this shit is awesome.

I’ve never felt a rush quite like a catching-a-wave-kinda-of-rush. Have I amped you up enough to be curious on what it’s like to surf in Morocco? I thought so… 🙂

Why Surf in Morocco?

Well, why not?

They only have waves for all surfing levels, all along the south coast, with days of sun on end… (and camels on the beach)

Just taking my camel out for a walk.

Sounds awful, I know.

In all seriousness, I didn’t know Morocco had some epic surf but I’m always happy to be proven wrong! In fact, it has some of the best surf in the world, so that should give you enough encouragement to give Morocco a try for your surfing desires.

For my surf stint in Morocco, I stumbled upon a small town called Taghazout, and I’m so so glad I did…

OK, So What’s Taghazout Like?

I’ll tell you right now. There are two things you should definitely know about Taghazout.

This is a surf town.

There’s nothing to do but surf.

But don’t let this turn you off. That’s part of its charm. There’s nothing but chill surfers, locals running their surf shops, and the sounds of waves and a few cars and motorbikes kicking up dust. That’s it. And it’s why I loved it.

I admit Taghazout may not be for everyone. There’s not much nightlife and there are no real activities in town (besides surfing of course). The town is a bit scruffy and it’s under development. So while there’s technically everything you need here (well, besides an ATM), it’s a very simple place.

A simple shop in Taghazout.

The road, yes, road, singular, is pretty much a dirt road. All other areas are walking paths (but the brave squeeze their cars through from time to time).

There’s a small square where you can find fruit and veggie stands, spice stalls, and small hawker style food stops. There are, of course, restaurants, either along the main road or on the beach.

And yeah, that’s about it. For me, it ended up being the perfect place to chill for a whole five weeks!

So if you’re anything like me, maybe this is your perfect place to post up for a chill surf holiday?

I absolutely loved it. Long walks on the beach (cliche AF but seriously, do it), watching camels cross from one end of the bay to the other, random dogs claiming you as their own for the day, sitting there watching time go by and the waves crashing on a poor surfer, and those epic sunsets…

Yeah, this place is super cool and chill and I’d come back in heartbeat.

Sick sunset shot just outside of Surf Berbere Surf Camp in Morocco.

So Where is the Best Surf Camp in Taghazout?

Ah, the best is relative and I can only speak from experience, but I found a pretty sweet surf camp in Taghazout called Surf Berbere. What luck! They have badass instructors, good food at their cafe, and their surf house apartments are what dreams are made of. SCORE!

So let’s see what it’s like surfing in Taghazout, Morocco and in particular, surfing with Surf Berbere.

What’s it Like Surfing With Surf Berbere?

A mini family that supports you and nose dives with you. Ha! Seriously though, the surf camp is so much fun and I learned enough after a week of going out with them to go out by myself! Let’s break it down…

What’s a day like?

There’s actually a little set schedule. At first, I was like, uh, what? I hate when people tell me what to do and when. But after the first day, it totally made sense and I loved it.

The schedule is there to keep everyone where they need to be when they should be there. There’s no questioning when something is happening or where. It’s set, it’s easy, and you don’t have to do anything if you don’t feel like it that day.

Lining up to shred some sick waves

Here’s the schedule:

Breakfast is from 8-9.

Grabbing your wetsuit and board from 9-9:30.

And you’re on the road to go surf by 9:30.

You get back from surfing anytime from 3:30-4:30.

Yoga is at 6:30.

Dinner is at 7:30.

They have some great surf packages that include everything making your surf camp experience in Taghazout an easy one! Everything here is optional, there are packages that don’t include yoga, for example or an option where dinner isn’t included if you’d rather explore dinner options around town. Check their packages here.

That’s totally me surfing like a pro right there in my dreams.

Isn’t Their Surf Right at the Surf Camp in Taghazout? Why Drive?

Yes and no.

The surf you see from your bedroom window and from brekkie isn’t the surf you’ll be surfing in. It’s regularly for people a bit more advanced (read: rocks).

In addition to that, Surf Berbere doesn’t just take you to the closest beach, plops you in the water and whatever happens, happens. They drive to where the surf is best that day. As you probably know, surf changes every day and what area was great yesterday doesn’t mean it’ll be great today.

It’s actually perfect because this gives you the opportunity to chill and surf at different beaches in the area.

I ended up at three different location during the week.

A Taghazout surfer going in for the night.

What Are the Instructors Like? Am I Actually Going to Learn How to Surf?

Such awesome dudes. I had the pleasure of flailing around the surf with Rashid, Yosef, and Illyas and they are some of the coolest guys you will ever meet. Super sweet, patient, and fun.

The guys usually have a different mix of people every day so they break you up into smaller groups depending on how you’ve progressed. We got the low down on the surfing basics on the first day, lots more practicing on the second, by the third, they were telling me exactly what I sucked at needed to work on…

After that, they started throwing more tips at me and I was learning how to turn or aim a bit to the left or to the right toward the end of my week.

Oh, I’m sorry, have you not heard? I’m a badass surfer now.

They totally gave me the confidence and nohow to get out there.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not surfing massive walls of water yet. I’m still playing in the whitewash, which is where you will likely start as well unless you have more experience. But the whitewash is still fun, not scary AF and where you can learn best.

Trust me, I was looking at the waves from the whitewash, and they looked terrifying to me. I’ll happily flop around in the whitewash until I get bored and can get up everytime without looking like a fish out of water.

Need some visuals on what a day surfing in Taghazout with Surf Berbere is like? Check this:

What’s the Surf Camp Accommodation Like?

We had the pleasure of staying in two of their apartments (because they are so lovely and popular they didn’t have a consecutive week for us!) and both were simply perfect. I could have lived there.

Their apartments are so close to the water, that at high tide when sitting on the couch or bed, it feels like the apartment is floating on the water. The views are true stunners and you have 180 degrees of it on your private balcony. Absolutely magical!

Taking a bath with this view!

Yes, that’s a tub in my room.

And of course, once you’re done gawking at the views (which is actually never) you can retreat to your comfy bed, perhaps take a bath in the large tub, or whip up something in your private kitchen. Do you need anything more? I don’t!

And no worries, if you’re solo or on a budget, they have a surf hostel and other rooms as well!

Here’s some visual vibes from this surf camp in Taghazout:

Tips for Taghazout and Surfing:

There’s no ATM! You’ll need to grab enough cash to last or, if worse comes to worse, grab a taxi to take you to the next town which has an ATM. (Round trip taxi cost is around 70MAD)

You need a wetsuit! If you have one and plan on surfing in Morocco, it might be worth bringing since sometimes rentals can be a bit worn or not as fitting.

If you’re staying in town, learned what you needed, and are ready to get out there and surf, there are tons of places to just rent a board and wetsuit. Surf Berbere can hook you up with that or anything along the same road like Twareg Shop. Surfboard and wetsuit rentals can range from 70-100MAD per day (no time limit) depending on how good your negotiating skills are and if you’re renting from the same place long term.

If you’re staying in Taghazout and you’ve only just learned to surf, it’s best if you surf at Panorama Beach (walking distance from town and cleaner). If you’re a bit more skilled, you can go right in town.

Disclaimer: I worked with Surf Berbere surf camp in Tagazhout. However, as always, all opinions here are my own (because it’s the only one that matters). Nobody knew who I was or that I was judging them until like the 3rd or 4th day anyway. 🙂

6 Comments

Lorna Murphy on April 6, 2018 at 12:22 am

Surf and yoga my two favourites ? will pin this place for future reference. Thank you nina ?

I have loved following your instagram stories on Berbere surf camp! I started following them and looked at their packages! I would LOVE to check this place out in the next year. I have never, ever surfed, but I always like trying new things and new challenges. And what a magical place to give it a try! Thanks for the inspiration and introducing this place to me!

It was EPIC, Jub! Thanks! omg… you’re telling me. We thought it was going to be all nice and warm too! But after further research, uh no. When we were in the north, it was literally snowing. And the beaches are at least decently warm when you’re not wet (and there’s no breeze) but yeah, the water be cold, my friend! Wetsuit, totally needed. We did see a few crazy cats surfing without one but it’s so cheap to rent one and so much warmer…haha.

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Hi, friend! My name is Nina Ragusa and I've been climbing volcanos, basking on exotic beaches, and dabbling in new cultures since 2011. I work abroad and remotely to support my adventure travel addiction. Follow along if you're interested in getting work abroad to travel more. Mission: Live and work on all continents.

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